A busy A127 junction is partly closed after a manhole cover almost collapsed, a councillor has warned.

The manhole cover at the The Bell junction on the A127 Southendbound he A127 is broken and almost collapsed in lane two.

Councillor Mark Flewitt says Southend Highways inspectors have visited site and think it is likely to 'drop through' at anytime and have informed Anglia Water’s emergency team who are expected on site in the next few hours.

He said: “This is not related to the junction improvement works. A lane two closure is now in place to protect drivers and will be in place until Anglian Water undertake the necessary repairs.

“We are not sure how long the repairs will take and may require the lane closure to be in place on Tuesday. We will advise you once lane 2 is open.”

Drivers may need to find alternative routes during peak times.